Scientist, Physicals

Job Description Summary:

The Scientist, Physical Testing performs physical characterization and measurement activities for tobacco, nicotine, inhalable, and consumer products. As part of an End-to-End (E2E) Laboratory Modernization Program, this role supports product development, quality programs, and regulatory studies through the execution of standardized physical testing methodologies.

The Scientist is responsible for conducting analyses involving moisture, density, pH, particle size, dimensional measurements, resistance-to-draw, ventilation, and related physical properties. The role collaborates with scientific and quality teams to ensure analytical data are generated accurately and consistently while maintaining compliance with laboratory quality standards. The level of responsibility, autonomy, and technical complexity will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform physical characterization testing for tobacco, nicotine, and inhalable products using established laboratory procedures.
• Conduct analyses involving moisture content, water activity, density, pH, particle size, dimensional measurements, resistance-to-draw, and ventilation assessments.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain specialized physical testing instrumentation and associated laboratory equipment.
• Perform measurements used to evaluate product dimensions, circumference, length, and tobacco weight characteristics.
• Review analytical data and verify calculations to ensure accuracy and compliance with quality requirements.
• Support method validation, equipment qualification, and technology transfer activities.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and assist with investigations involving atypical results and deviations.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and records in accordance with ISO 17025 requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on laboratory efficiency and operational excellence.
• Maintain training and compliance in health, safety, environmental, and operational requirements.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.

Critical Skills:

• Knowledge of physical characterization methods and measurement techniques.
• Experience with pH, moisture, density, particle size, dimensional, and resistance-to-draw analyses.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent documentation and recordkeeping practices.
• Ability to operate and maintain specialized physical testing equipment.
• Understanding of laboratory quality systems and ISO 17025 requirements.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• OR Associate degree or high school diploma with 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Relevant physicals testing or analytical laboratory experience commensurate with level (entry-level candidates through experienced scientists will be considered).
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Adaptable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented in a production-paced laboratory setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing physical characterization of consumer products.
• Familiarity with particle size analysis and dimensional measurement systems.
• Experience with moisture analysis, water activity, and density determinations.
• Experience supporting method validation and equipment qualification activities.
• Experience within ISO 17025, GLP, or GMP environments.
• Knowledge of tobacco or nicotine product testing requirements.

Working Environment:

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory.
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time.
• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite. Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.
• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.
• Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste.
• Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.
• May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.